On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors endorsed joining more than 200 other municipalities nationwide in an effort to combat climate change. The three main takeaway points from the Mayors Climate Action Agenda are the development of a community greenhouse gas emissions inventory, the setting of near- and long-term emissions reduction targets, and the development of a climate action plan.

Ten years ago, Fairfax County was part of a similar agreement called Cool Counties. Cool Counties committed Fairfax County to cut the D.C. region’s greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2050.

Through Cool Counties, the county has since reached its initial goal of cutting its per capita emissions by 10 percent. Helene Shore of local environmental activism group 350 Fairfax argues that this hasn’t been enough, but she’d glad the county has recommitted itself.

“We’d like to see 100 percent renewable energy by 2030. We wish that other mayors would hop aboard — it’s important that we address this at a local level and that local governments keep working towards renewable energy, since our central government won’t be doing much work it seems. We don’t have much time left and it’s important that we keep working forward.”

Fairfax County is encouraging residents to get involved, especially in reducing their electricity emissions. Residents can sign up for discounted solar panels, get expert advice on energy savings, checkout a thermal camera from the library and apply for a matching grant to fund any possible projects that could reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Just remember: It’s all about Gerry, whose ego is on a par with Pres. Trump.

AlexR

Sad but true.

WheatieM

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors are a pack of fools. Why don’t you stop destroying green space in Reston?

Reston Realist

Absolutely correct! They are destroying green space by adding density which means more cars and more electricity use. How is this going to help their efforts in reducing emissions? They truly are ridiculous with little understanding how things work in the real world.

Chkitout1

Yet the people keep re-electing them.

Mike M

What a great distraction from the things that matter! It works with the Libs too. This is vintage Hudgins.

40yearsinreston

Solar panels?
Do tne aesthetic police Aka DRB know about this ?

Chuck Morningwood

Hey, BoS. Adding extra housing to the area does NOT reduce Reston’s carbon footprint.

Willie Reston

Building high-density housing (e.g. in/around RTC) does reduce the carbon footprint on a per-capita basis, FWIW.

Seriously, that’s an absurd goal that they know is completely unattainable (If they don’t know that it’s unattainable, then they’re fools). I’m all for advancements in technology and cleaner sources of energy; in fact, I was part of a small group present for an experimental demonstration of solar power never before achieved. However, there are many hurdles to cross before such technology even becomes standardized and commonplace, and geographical considerations so far mean that no single technology is applicable everywhere.

Ana Ham

That’s funny considering they approve any new construction. They should worry about all the construction trucks, school buses and metro buses blowing out black smoke.

Dale

“Fairfax County is encouraging residents to get involved”, I agree. It is time to note that what they say is not in line with they do! But, somehow people keep voting for them! Higher Population Density, Application Parking, Increase Assessments, selling Reston out! The decades ago Reston of common sense planning and space utilization and quality of life is gone. Streets are over crowded, parking is paid, crime is on the up swing (check out the blotters lately), Business’ are struggling and so are the Reston Residents. Our Community is not what it once was! Our representatives continue to promise good decision and choices. They promise leadership! Promises…Promises

Greg

Any details on how one can reduce one’s electricity emissions?
Or where to sign up for discounted solar panels?

Greendayer

The important part that Trump wanted no part of was the annual multi billion dollar commitment that Obama agreed to. It doesn’t look like the US cities nor counties will step up to that either which is the biggest source of disappointment to the international community.